Evaluating the Properties of Bitumen Stabilized with Carbon Nanotubes

The aim of this paper is to investigate the rheological properties of Multi-Walled Carbon NanoTube (MWCNT) enhanced bitumen. The rheological properties of bitumen samples with a range of MWCNT applications are evaluated. The shear complex modulus of the samples increased after ageing, and also increased as the percentage of MWCNTs increased. The viscous component of the complex shear modulus was found to be dominant at higher temperatures, but as the concentration of MWCNTs increased, it was found that the elastic portion started to dominate at higher temperatures. At higher temperatures a change in the phase angle was found, with increased concentrations of MWCNTs causing a decrease in 8, representing a more plastic sample. It is shown that addition of MWCNTs as a modifier did not increase the cracking resistance of the bitumen. Thus, if fatigue cracking is of concern in a certain area it is not recommended to use MWCNTs as a modifier. As the quantity of MWCNTs increased, the temperature at which rutting would start to occur, increased.